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Cyber predators prey on data too,

By Lindsay Harvey

4:00 AM Saturday May 7, 2011

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A recent survey has shown that many Kiwis are in the dark when it comes to computer viruses and other internet nasties.
Two of New Zealand's leading online safety specialists - NetSafe and AVG - have conducted a survey that has revealed some eye-opening results.
More than 87 per cent of the respondents believed they had adequate protection from online threats, yet only half had installed a combination of current, automatically updated anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and anti-spam software.
"While the vast majority of Kiwis are using their computers for an increasing variety of activities including online banking, buying goods and services, paying bills and checking emails, only a small percentage of respondents could describe how they were protecting those activities," NetSafe New Zealand executive director Martin Cocker said.
Concern about threats such as online child predators was high (72 per cent), however far more common menaces like identity theft, online scams, and computer security received less attention.
"The threat from sexual predators is real and we must remain vigilant in the protection of children online. However, we are seeing much greater numbers of people being harmed by crimes that fall under the online security category," Mr Cocker added.
If you're concerned about your online security, check out www.theorb.org.nz
Time-wasting brillianceYou'll want the gaming chair and snacks sorted for this one. An Australian firm has created what it's calling "the world's biggest Pac-Man game".
Soap Creative, which designed the official Pac-Man website, rolled out the online game last week. "It has been labelled an internet hit, the world's biggest waste of time and time-wasting brilliance", the game's creators wrote on their website.

The game allows users to keep making the Pac-Man maze bigger.
The exits that let you zoom to the other side of a maze in the original version of the game transport you to the next maze in this one.
The mazes pay tribute to other vintage games by being in the shape of Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario Brothers and Space Invaders.
Power play Ubisoft has announced the development of its latest motion-controlled title - PowerUp Heroes - a fighting game where players control each combat move by using their entire body to launch projectiles and dodge strikes. You use your Xbox avatar to create a custom superhero, then get a super suit with special abilities. There are 20 different super suits, with powers ranging from raising the dead to mind control. PowerUp Heroes will be available from June 2011. For more information check out PowerUpHeroes.com
Got any news, gadgets or queries? Contact lindsay.harvey@apn.co.nz